Dublin Start-up to Probe Role of Genetics in Sporting Prowess

Irish life sciences start-up Genomics Medicine Ireland (GMI) is undertaking new research to discover the influence of genetic factors on athletic performance.

GMI has partnered with University College Dublin’s Institute for Sport and Health to undertake the GenoFit Research Study on UCD’s Belfield campus. The study is combining advanced scientific technology in genomics, the study of all of a person’s genes, together with detailed lifestyle information to provide a comprehensive view of the potential genetic factors contributing to fitness and health.

Researchers hope that their work may result in the identification of specific genetic factors that protect an individual against the development of a particular health condition. Such findings could lead to the development of targeted interventions to improve our health in the future.

The GenoFit Research Study is open to anyone aged 18 and older from the broader UCD Belfield campus community of approximately 30,000 people. Residents from the local community who visit the Belfield campus for various sports and recreational activities are also eligible to participate in the study. For more information visit www.genofit.ie.

Pictured at the GenoFit Research Study Clinic at UCD Institute for Sport and Health are Jack and Sarah McCaffrey, who both won an All-Ireland GAA medals playing football for Dublin this September